Uganda’s healthcare system faces a looming crisis next week as a tax dispute between the National Medical Stores (NMS) and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) threatens the distribution of essential medicines across the country.
Moses Kamabare, NMS general manager, warned Parliament’s Health Committee that although NMS has sufficient stock, URA has blocked the release of medicines worth millions of shillings over a 2.5% tax on imported drugs introduced on July 1, 2025.
“We have enough stock, but URA has blocked distribution due to the tax issue. We’ve engaged the Ministry of Finance for a waiver, but no resolution has been reached. If this is not resolved, health facilities nationwide will be left without essential medicines,” Kamabare said.
The tax dispute has prompted the Health Committee to summon the Ministers of Finance and Health on Wednesday to explain the impasse.
Committee members emphasized that delays could have “devastating consequences for the health sector” and urged urgent action.
The warning highlights Uganda’s reliance on imported drugs and the urgent need for government intervention to avert a nationwide shortage of lifesaving medicines.